Ying Yue spends two hours getting ready. This was her first formal visit to the new prime minister's residence. It was only proper for her to look her best as she leaves the palace. After announcing Duan Da as the new prime minister to the citizens of the dragon kingdom a month ago; Ying Yue and Jianyu had their fair share of disagreement and agreement but once the people found out it was the will of the previous prime minister, they accepted it pretty fast.
Fu Jia had been relieved of his duties for the day to accompany Ying Yue and Junjei as they leave the palace. After riding in a carriage for thirty minutes, Ying Yue and her crew arrived at the front entrance of the prime minister's new residence. As soon as Ying Yue arrived, Duan Da quickly comes out to greet her; with his waist slightly bent and his hands clasped together.
"Greetings Ying Yue."
"You may rise."
"Come on in. I told everyone you were stopping by today. They're all excited to see you again."
Ying Yue carries Junjei and had Fu Jia follow behind her, along with Shen An and Li An. Duan Da motions to a building and asks for Ying Yue to first enter. After following Duan Da's directions, they ended up in a large meeting room. Duan Da pulls out a chair and asks for Ying Yue to take a seat. Ying Yue quickly thanks Duan Da and seats herself as she glanced around the room.
"Well, I think they did a great job rebuilding your new home. Do you like it here so far?"
"I think so too. It was finished much faster than I anticipated too. The building feels much different from how I remember it."
"That's right.....I forgot you still grew up here when the old building was here."
"For about a good seventeen years until my curiosity got the better of me and caused me to stray away from home. Regardless of everything that's happened to me, I'm glad to be home."
"That's good. I know you mentioned everyone was here, but where are they? I even brought Fu Jia."
"The others are at the building. I will ask a maid to let them know you are here."
Duan Da motions for a nearby maid to run along and grab the others. Fu Jia on the other hand had no idea why Ying Yue was telling Duan Da about him being there as well.
"Your highness, what did you mean by that?"
"What did I say?"
"You told the prime minister I was also here. I am just a guard on duty."
"Oh! Well, there's someone here that really wants to meet you. You're not engaged or anything are you Fu Jia?"
"Of course not. I am too busy for such trivial things."
"Then good! This will all work out."
Fu Jia couldn't help but think Ying Yue was plotting something without telling him the full details. After five minutes of sitting around and chatting, Ying Yue watched as everyone came running in. Seeing as Fu Jia was coming, Lin An was dressed looked even better than before. Ying Yue couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of seeing her work so hard. Jin was the first one to come in and greet Ying Yue. One by one everyone greeted her before chatting with her like usual.
"Nice to see you again!"
"It's great to see you too Jin."
"Your highness."
"What is it Fu Jia?"
"Is it alright for them to be so informal?"
"Oh, don't worry about that. They're more like family to me and using formal speeches all the time is exhausting."
"If you say so, I will let it pass."
As Ying Yue continued chatting with Jin, the twin sisters who were the main cooks on their trips wanted to play with Junjei. Seeing as he was big enough to roll around now, Ying Yue had no issue letting others play with him, As Ying Yue was enjoying her time, she could see Lin An looking at Fu Jia from the corner of her eyes.
"Ha Ha Ha....goodness, I can't take this anymore."
"What' wrong your highness?"
"Fu Jia."
"What is it, your highness?"
"Look to your right."
Fu Jia turns to look at Lin An who was sitting across from Ying Yue. Catching her off guard, Lin An blushes after making eye contact with Lin An.
"Can you not feel the passionate glare of a woman on you?"
"Your highness.... did you plan this?"
"She's had some interest in you for a while now. If you don't dislike her, getting to know her wouldn't hurt."
"You have a point there."
"Lin An, why don't you show Fu Jia the garden? I'm sure the flowers are in full bloom."
"Ying Yue, is that alright? He is your body guard."
"I'll be fine. Everyone else is here too. I'm not worried about anything. Fu Jia, will you keep her company?"
"If that is your order, I will follow it."
Fu Jia quickly bids Ying Yue farewell as he walks towards Lin An. Stretching out a hand, he helps her up. Lin An was blushing from ear to ear. Once the two were out of sight, Duan Da turns to face Ying Yue.
"Are you sure that's okay?"
"Why wouldn't it be? It'd be great if humans and the dragon kingdom could get along once more, you know. Not to mention, Lin An has been eyeing him ever since she came to the dragon kingdom. Fu Jia doesn't hate humans so there's no harm in them getting to know one another. Fu Jia may be a general, but Lin An is your adopted daughter now. She's more than qualify to be with him if she wanted."
"I guess you have a point there. I will just be a bit sad seeing my kids leave."
"Ha Ha! Duan Da you sound like an old man."
"I am old!"
"Have you thought of finding a wife? You're the prime minister now, it shouldn't be hard to find someone."
Duan Da remains silent for a moment as he thinks over Ying Yue's word. Turning his gaze back to her, her breaks into a smile.
"I've decided I will not find someone until all my children are married."
"Guess I was worried for nothing then. I'm glad you've thought about it."
"Well, I am the only sole survivor of my family. If I die, my long-distinguished bloodline would also die out. I disliked my family, but I won't be able to face them in the afterlife if I die before producing an heir."
"Well, if you ever need help, I'll be more than happy to help."
"Thank you…. although I doubt that's your whole reason for visiting me. What's on your mind?"
Ying Yue locks eyes with Duan Da and smirks at his words.
"I knew it'd be hard to hide it from you. You're right, I came to tell you something. I think it'd be a good idea to have everyone listen on it as well."
Everyone went silent as they waited to see what Ying Yue had to say.
"Tomorrow, his majesty and I will be heading to Shanliang."
"Shanliang the dead kingdom? Why?"
"Jin, I know it's a dead kingdom but I'm looking for someone and we believe he is hiding there."
"Does this have to do with who I think it is?"
"Yes, Duan Da. It's about Bai Chun."
"He is a dangerous man and you're saying only you and his majesty are going? Are you crazy?"
"I have a feeling Bai Chun doesn't want to fight. Duan Da, he's slowly dying."
"What? How?"
"It's a side effect of using dark arts. I've already confirmed it with the old priest."
"I see…..whatever you and your majesty agrees on, I promise to protect the crown prince and the dragon kingdom in your absence."
"Thank you, I knew I could count on you."
As the hours rolled by, Ying Yue knew it was time to leave. Fu Jia had also just returned from keeping Lin An company. Once everyone was back; Ying Yue called it a day and quickly left the prime minister's residence. As Ying Yue walked to her carriage with Junjei, her maids and Fu Jia; she turns around one last time and tells Duan Da and everyone to visit her next time.